AUNTY GIRLY DOES IT AGAIN

HUNDREDS of fire victims received a Youth Day surprise in Phumlani Informal Settlements on Monday thanks to community worker Beryl Williams.

The popular vrou, know as “Aunty Girly”, spent her Youth Day handing out parcels to the informal settlements meisies and laaities and made a lekker warm pot of chicken curry for the mense after a devastating blaze tore through their homes last week.

Beryl said: “I went out to them and made some soup also for the kids because it is Youth Day. I asked my friends and family to also assist with clothing items.

“I also received items from Mr Lee at China Town and Captain Keith Blake who gave us the vouchers to collect other items.

"Many thanks also to Pick n Pay Constantia. I am so grateful to them by assisting me with bakery goods – for going beyond their duty to assist me over the years.”

City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue spokesperson Jermaine Carelse said: “The City’s Fire & Rescue Service was alerted at around 14.05pm of a structural fire in Phumlani Village, in Pelican Park, on Thursday 12 June.

“Crews from Ottery and Wynberg were dispatched to the scene and upon arrival found one dwelling and several informal structures alight.”

The cause of the incident is still undetermined at this stage.

Retired police officer Captain Keith Blake said that he has assisted Beryl on many occasions helping fire victims.

Blake said: “There used to be starter kits for these victims to rebuild, but now they are left in the cold.

"We promised the communities of the Cape Flats that we would speak to City Mayoral Committee Member for Human Settlements and he said that the department is busy with trying to assist but have to wait on national government for a response.

“This is the coldest winter we have had in a while, so we will wait to hear what they say.”